IMO: run a vm for now.

Getting experienced enough to run a vm is a small project. Very digestible.

The installs are REALLY easy-going these days. Run Debian, Mint, or Cachy or something equally easy going.

Get your browsers setup how you like them, get your mail working, If you run out of space or get tired of it, just delete it.

Slow experience over a long time will really make it easier then waiting until you have to learn it.